The Application of Oilfield Advanced Borehole Geophysics for Deep Groundwater Investigations

Advanced borehole geophysical logging is one the primary methods for evaluating oil and gas reservoirs, providing quantitative characterization of important rock matrix, fluid, and fracture properties across a wide range of geology types, subsurface, and borehole conditions. This technology is being used increasingly for deep groundwater investigations because of the ability to efficiently and effectively characterize the subsurface in deep holes and wells where drilling and completion costs are high. The wireline-conveyed tools provide a wide range of in-situ measurements, packer testing, and sampling capabilities, employing magnetic resonance, dipole sonic, nuclear spectroscopy, and other technologies, to evaluate key hydrogeological, geological, geomechanical, and structural properties continuously in depth. Applications of oilfield wireline technology include deep brackish aquifer resource characterization, deep mine hydrogeology investigations, wastewater injection and geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide into deep non-potable aquifers. Several case examples of advanced geophysical logging used for these deep groundwater applications will be provided, as well as an introduction to the technology and measurements employed.